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The gang threatened those inside - including children - and demanded money.

After searching the home they stole cash and a phone and left, possibly through the back door.

No-one was injured but the victims were left “extremely shaken”.

Then at 9.25pm four men in balaclavas - armed with a hammer - broke into a home on Batley Street, demanded money and attacked a man in his 50s, leaving him with cuts and bruises to his face and legs.

Children were also inside the Old Swan home, though they were not injured.

Merseyside Police said forensic, CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out and an investigation is underway in relation to all incidents.

Detective Inspector Terry Davies said: “At this early stage we are keeping an open mind as to the motives but we believe that the incidents are potentially linked, due to their close proximity and the circumstances.

“Thankfully nobody was seriously injured, but each would have been an extremely distressing experience and the victims are being supported by officers as we investigate.

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“To make threats and use violence in front of children is appalling, and we will be relentless in pursuing all lines of enquiry.

“Incidents like this are thankfully rare and I want to reassure the community that we are making extensive enquiries to find those responsible and remove them from the streets.

“We would appeal to anyone who saw a group of people fitting the description, or any suspicious activity on Bankfield Road and the surrounding areas, or saw anyone running away from the area on the Friday evening, to get in touch.

“We are also looking to trace a black Audi A3 that was seen heading in the direction of Sandy Lane Estate following the second incident.

“Anyone with any information is urged to contact police so we can find those responsible and bring them to justice.”

*Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting incident number 18200029706 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.